Westwood First School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 September 2023

This is a happy and welcoming school where pupils love to learn. Staff nurture pupils' character and have high aspirations for them to achieve well. There is a real focus on the multi-academy trust's motto of 'be the best you can be'. Staff provide pupils with memorable learning experiences and opportunities. As a result, pupils develop as well-rounded individuals. Parents agree. One parent summed up the views of many when they said, 'My children are guided and encouraged by their teachers to become intelligent, kind, courteous and respectful children.' Pupils enjoy school and feel safe. They develop positive relationships with adults and each other. Pupils behave well in lessons and at playtimes. They are kind, considerate and friendly to visitors. Incidents of poor behaviour are rare. Pupils are confident that staff will sort out any issues which occur quickly. Pupils benefit from a wide range of enriching opportunities. These include visits to the theatre, to gardens and to several different museums. In addition, the school provides a number of clubs for pupils to attend, such as sports, choir and arts. Leaders have plans to develop the range of clubs offered further.

What the school should improve

• The school does not ensure that pupils at the early stage of reading consistently read books that match the sounds they are learning. This means that some pupils do not get enough practice of these sounds. The school should ensure that the books pupils read are closely matched to the sounds they are learning.
• In a small number of subjects, not all activities planned by teachers enable pupils to learn the intended curriculum. This slows pupils' learning. Leaders should develop staff's expertise in how to plan activities that support pupils to remember more across the curriculum.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)